Matthew Hudson-Smith

Matthew Hudson-Smith (born 26 October 1994) is a British track and field sprinter who specialises in the 400 metres. Quotes Not a lot of people know this, but I attempted suicide. In 2018, I won the Europeans even though everything didn’t go to plan, In 2019, I tore my achilles, tore my hamstring, messed up my hip. I had huge debts because I didn’t have American health insurance. During Covid in 2020 I was stuck in America by myself. And in 2021 I had huge mental health issues. I couldn’t do the Olympics for several reasons, I was also racing knowing I was hurt all the time. But it’s also been mental. A lot of people would have cracked. My mum and girlfriend were, like, ‘give it a year’, I was going to be an electrician. My coach said he already knew Champion was going to come at the end, And then I felt someone outside of me. In my head I thought: ‘Just take out Champion.’ I was just looking forward. Then I had an anxious wait. But when I saw my name and I just dropped to the floor because these three years have been absolute hell. I called Asda and said I’m not coming back,They said I could return any time but I said ‘no, I’m not coming back’. That weekend I ran 44 seconds for 400m. People know my talent, People know what I can offer. You saw me run 44.3 now consecutively. This is my first chance for a medal on the world stage. A lot of people push on from here. It’s my first year with my coach. Anything is possible. Bronze warrior Matthew Hudson-Smith outruns demons in 400m final, July 23 2022 I can’t complain, I ran to the best of my ability. But this is just the start. I’m very grateful and very excited for what’s to come. As it came, I took a misstep and that one step was the difference from a 43.40 and a 43.44. Those little differences are the difference between silver and gold, and it showed in that race. I had no idea that they were coming to watch me. I know how nervous they get watching, but it means the world to me. They’ve been with me for every step of the journey. We hugged and didn’t say anything, these are the moments that you dream of - celebrating with your family. It’s brought me to where I am now, I’m a silver Olympic medallist. Not many people can say that they're an Olympian, and fewer can say they’re a medallist. I’m happy, but not satisfied. There’s a lot more to come. It's a testament to resilience and perseverance, I have a great team of people around me. If there’s anyone out there just keep pushing. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how dark it is, just keep pushing. Adversity brings out the best in people, adversity makes strong people. I can attest to it. I keep saying enjoy the show. I keep saying in four years I’m out. But, in those four years, you’re going to see something special. Matthew Hudson-Smith on his 'highs and lows' after he was denied Olympic 400m gold,August 08 2024 External Links Category:Track and field athletes Category:Living people Category:1994 births